#And-Kensaku

[donkeykongbongodreams]

In 2008, Nintendo partnered with Google to make a Japan-exclusive Wii game called And-Kensaku which is a minigame compilation based on guessing Google results

My favourite part is these awesome mascots they made for it

You can watch gameplay of it here:

Nintendo World Report translated the Iwata Asks interview about this game too! To me the most interesting parts were: Iwata - In my tenure as CEO no other title has had its name rejected so many times. Nishimura - I only gave you just a couple of the total number of title proposals I came up with - there were actually mountains of them.

Iwata - So you only showed me the best of the best of the titles you had thought up from that mountain of proposals, and I shot them down every time.

Nishimura - …Yes.

---- Iwata - As I discussed with Kan-san from Google earlier, when searching “Tokyo” versus “Osaka,” the number of results for “Tokyo” is overwhelmingly greater, simply from a population standpoint, but if you add a term and phrase search for something like “Famous Tokyo Goods” versus “Famous Osaka Goods,” you unexpectedly find out that the converse can be true. Nishimura - "We decided to only select questions that would be interesting, like puns, questions with double meanings, or regional questions like the comparison between Tokyo and Osaka." ----

Nishimura - Furthermore, we decided to add explanations to make things easier to understand.

Yui - While this is a game where you’re competing to see who can find out which keywords generate the most hits, we figured it would be a better game if you’d find out why the difference in hits occurs after you find out the answer - to give you that feeling of, “Oh! I get it!” --- Yui - Actually, whenever playing vs. internally we had a person that would always have some punchline while playing that was incredibly funny.

Soya - Furthermore, once “And-Kensaku” was made to be a packaged title, I felt it was regrettable that we wouldn’t be able to help deliver that atmosphere from playing together. So, part of me lit up when Nishimura-san said he wanted to put in the speech bubbles and voice. “Ah, we can just put in what that guy says verbatim!”

Iwata - So he’s included in the package (laughs).

Yui - Yes. We’ve included what he said verbatim. We basically noted down everything he said.

Soya - We fit his words in per situation. Sometimes to get a rise out of people.

Yui - But he really hated recording it. Nishimura - And in the end people said it was funny, so I was really glad we put it in. Another person doing a test play had a comment that said, “It feels like there’s a person living inside the game.” Iwata - It’s like that guy was included in the game (laughs). --- Yui - Right. So I hope people that have a vendetta against quiz games use this to get their revenge. --- Iwata - By the way, have you all become trivia experts through developing this game? Soya - In the beginning whenever I learned something I’d relay it to everyone, and the reaction would typically be, “I see” or “Wow”, but by the end everyone was an expert in trivia, so they would just say, “Yeah, I know already.”

Thank you for learning more about And-Kensaku with me! I hope you appreciated it ^^

[nug-chuohku]

Happy Halloween!

Asato Rikiya - Watermelon

Yano Ietsuna - Vampire THHK

Kensaku Morimoto - Dr Franken Stein

Ryuko Umemoto - Minotaur Redux

Maki Umemoto - Jiangshi

Shuu Edogawa - Kawaii Girl

[nugsters]

At least I didn't forget Ken. So sad he's not my favorite old guy anymore, but he's my more iconic one for sure.

[saitama-division]

Thank you!

As Sayaka’s extended birthday comes to a close, I just want to say thank you to each and everyone who participated in her birthday event for this year! From giving gifts to extending birthday wishes to just genuinely showing our beloved butterfly mommy some love and appreciation, it really makes me happy as her creator to see and know that people still love and cherish Sayaka even after all this time (and despite me not posting anything relevant to the main story in such a long time). I just know that it also fills her with such warm to receive so much kindness from everyone. Once again, thank you all for everything!

Next birthday event is Joey’s in October! I hope you’re all looking forward to it as I am!

—

A new day.

A new opportunity to be better than you were yesterday.

It was a motto Sayaka like to follow whenever she got the chance and she likes to think that she’s been doing a good job of doing so. Granted, she had her off days and even some bad ones but she always managed to bounce back to her cheerful self in the end, people would be surprised to see someone as soft hearted and too sweet for this world as her stay strong in the face of adversity but after hitting what she considered to be the lowest point of her life, Sayaka had seen it all and did it all, she was so sure that nothing else could shake her like that ever again…

…Until today.

It was the day after the day of her birthday and ever since the night that she had gone drinking with two of her closest friends which had ended in the most unexpected way she couldn’t ever imagine , Sayaka couldn’t get the moment out of her head, it played on repeat over and over, from Jakurai’s straightforward but meaningful confession to Kensaku’s drunken but passionate declarations of love for both her and the good doctor, she almost couldn’t wrap her head around it, at some point Sayaka had thought that she was the one who had drank too much and was just letting her inebriated brain take over and showed her what she wanted to see and hear.

It had been a bit of a blur when she had made it back to her room, she had finally got Lola to back off and let her breathe or maybe the model had saw the state she was in and had taken pity on her to stop her prying, either way, the brunette was grateful because after taking off her shoes and just barely changing into some more comfortable clothes, the now 33 year old woman had spent a good while rolling around in bed like a maniac and screaming into her pillow like she was a teenage girl again.

Then she passed out.

When she woke up, there was a slight headache (which was immediately cured by the medicine Lola had left by her bedside) and a dull ache in her cheeks from smiling so much. At first she had thought it was a dream but after checking her phone to find new messages from Jakurai and a lot of new ones from Kensaku had confirmed it, it was real alright, both of her dream men had confessed to her (and to each other) and wanted to enter a relationship, something that Sayaka didn’t think was possible but now the opportunity was so close she could feel it.

Was it unusual to have feelings for two different men? Yes and Sayaka wasn’t exactly thrilled when she found out, in fact it had made her even more scared, she had been attracted to Jakurai for many years but never acted on her feelings out of respect for the doctor and out of guilt for her late husband, not to mention the chaos that had been going on at the time which led to them separating and barely seeing each other for years to come, Sayaka had just became a mother and at that point, all that mattered was her daughter, the thought of dating and romance was unfathomable at the time.

But life had a funny way of getting back at her whenever she declared something, as not only did her feelings for Jakurai came crashing back to her at full force once the two of them had reunited and bonded once again but nothing and nobody could have prepared her for what would be thrown at her way the day she met one of Jakurai’s friends at his office.

Kensaku Morimoto was an interesting man, he was kind, funny, and it wasn’t surprising that he and Sayaka had gotten along well almost immediately after their first meeting, it was quite a shock to know that they were both competing in the D.R.B. but they knew that there was no malicious intent between the two of them and that they were both mature enough to not let some competition get in the way of their friendship. Things were normal after that, naturally they couldn’t see each other all the time due to their respective jobs and their demanding work schedules but the times that they did catch each other, they always made the best of it, laughing, drinking, teasing Jakurai no matter whether or not he was actually there, the two had developed a solid bond.

Until something shifted one day and neither could look at the other for too long without getting flustered by how beautiful/handsome the other person was.

Sayaka had realized immediately that she was feeling the same thing she had for Jakurai towards Kensaku and she may or may not have panicked hard when she found out. Having feelings for one man was overwhelming enough but two? That just made her felt like she was greedy or worse…like she was being promiscuous in some way and she lov-liked and respected Jakurai and Kensaku too much to lead the both of them along like that.

It didn’t help that the guilt creeped in almost immediately after, like she was betraying her husband for even thinking of such things and while she knew that realistically she couldn’t keep holding onto the memory of a dead man forever, there was also her daughter to consider, Sayaka had never introduced another man to her daughter and she did everything she could to make sure Yoshiko knew who her father was and how much he meant to their family of two so what would it look like to her if all of a sudden her mother brought not only one but two unfamiliar men home and called them her lovers?

So yes, that was the real reason why Sayaka had kept her mouth shut about the ordeal, refusing to budge even after all the signs were there and Lola’s incessant badgering pushing her forward to make a move, three years had passed and Sayaka had begun to accept that maybe things were better this way, nobody would get hurt via rejection and no friendships would be ruined.

How naive of her to think that things could never be left alone.

Sayaka perked up at the sound of footsteps drawing closer and fiddled with the sleeve of her top, heart almost beating out of her chest but she told herself that could not run now, she had to face this with everything she had. It wasn’t hard to get both men to meet her at some park, judging by the text messages in the group chat, it seemed like both Jakurai and Kensaku were just as eager to talk to her like she was to them. Sure enough, it was easy to spot them, their respective purple and blue hair made them stand out, Jakurai looked calm as always and Kensaku had on his signature easygoing smile but looking closely, the brunette woman saw that Jakurai was holding onto Kensaku’s wrist so that the researcher wouldn’t turn tail and run, it made Sayaka smile, seems like they both had the same idea.

“Sayaka-san, how are you? Are you okay?” Jakurai stood a respectable distance away and let go of the other man’s wrist when it looked like he wasn’t about to sprint for the nearest exit, Kensaku gave a crooked grin and waved to which Sayaka waved back and smiled at both of them. “I’m fine, Jakurai-san.”

Things went silent as the three adults stared at one another, it would be laughable to say that the tension was thick, Sayaka was surprised that they all haven’t started suffocating due to how high the tension was. Jakurai cleared his throat and took the plunge, “So…about last night-“

“Wait!” Both men paused and looked at the woman before them, Sayaka’s cheeks flushed red and she nervously shuffled on her feet. “I’m sorry, Jakurai, it’s just, I’ve been meaning to say this for a while…I need to say this…” With clenched fists, the brunette woman took a deep breath and finally released the feelings she’s kept inside for so long. “Jinguji Jakurai…Morimoto Kensaku…I’m in love with you both, I have been for a long time now, I-I’m not sure when it started or how I gained these feelings but I’m more than certain that it’s not just a crush or anything, I am truly, undeniably in love with both of you, I don’t know how but if you’re both willing then I really think that we can make this work, I want to make this work! I…love you two…so much.” Sayaka finished with glowing red cheeks and bright amber eyes filled with determination.

Both men stared at smaller woman in shock before Kensaku swooped her up in a hug and span her around, making Sayaka yelped and cling onto the researcher before he let her down. “Wha..?”

“God you have no idea how relieved I am! Jakurai caught me up to speed on everything, I’m sorry for everything, believe me, that was not how I wanted it to go.” Kensaku hung his head and sighed heavily, still feeling the after effects of embarrassment wash up on him, Sayaka giggled and tilted his head up so that he could look at her, his breath almost taken away at the sight of her radiant smile. “Don’t be, I actually thought it was rather sweet.”

Kensaku sheepishly smiled and the two of them shared another hug before turning to the tall purple haired man who was staring at them with a soft smile and loved filled eyes. Gently he opened his arms for an invitation and Sayaka immediately took his offer, pulling Kensaku by his hand, the two of them threw themselves into the doctor’s arms, Sayaka in the middle being enveloped on both sides by the two men she loved most and she couldn’t be happier.

[toyama-division]

Happy Birthday Sayaka!

TW: Alcohol use, Drunken Confessions ♡(੭˶•༝•˶)੭･:*ੈ♡‧₊˚:･

【 Toyama City, Toi Pharmaceutical Co. 】

It was late, but it couldn't be helped. As much as Kensaku loved to skip out on meetings and slack off, there were moments when he had to prioritize his job over his family and friends. And unfortunately, the Saitama Division leader's birthday was an instance where he could not escape his responsibilities for her.

Thankfully, Kensaku had chosen his friends well, as the gentle leader understood his situation completely. To make up for the unlucky timing, the two, alongside the genius doctor from Shinjuku, Jakurai Jinguji, arranged to go out for drinks to celebrate Sayaka's birthday, albeit belated. As much as Kensaku begged in their texts for Jakurai to join them in the alcoholic beverages, the doctor stood firm he would simply watch the other two and act as the designated driver.

Simple enough, right? That's at least what Kensaku thought, ignoring the butterflies that erupted in his gut. Setting his phone down on his work desk, he returned to his desktop, only to stare past the blinding letters of his report on the screen. The day could not come faster. The chance to see what he considered the two most attract- Dear! His two most dear friends were something he rarely got to experience. It's been some time since they all got to share a conversation, much less food or drinks. He had a hard time admitting that he really missed them. A lot.

Shaking his head, Kensaku did his best to ignore his intrusive thoughts. Thoughts he had been plagued with for nearly three years… Perhaps longer. Unfortunately, it's been getting harder and harder for the man to push down these feelings. But how was he supposed to go about it in the first place? So many factors conflicted with each other in Kensaku’s mind and it felt impossible to tackle it all at least, to him.

Again, he blinked at his screen and focused on the bold black text. It was best to push these woes aside. He didn't want to ruin Sayaka's night with his selfish desires. Nor did he want to sour his work-relation with Jakurai. Just push it down and ignore it. He's kept it up for years, what another year of unspoken feelings?

【 Saitama City, Unnamed Bar 】

“I love you guyyyysssss…!”

Well.

Shit.

The scientist looked completely stunned by the words that had slipped out. That was never meant to come out, especially a good hour or so into Sayaka's belated birthday celebration. Drinking for Jakurai's share was probably a bad idea, but Kensaku could not dwell on it when the panic alarms were blaring in his head.

He leaned into Jakurai, who was nursing a glass of vegetable juice whilst a slightly tipsy Sayaka sat on the opposite side of the doctor with her own drink. While Jakurai was more preoccupied trying to sit the blue haired man upright, Sayaka seemed equally surprised by the words. She tried to laugh it off half-heartedly, peering around the tall purple-haired man to smile at Kensaku down the bar. “I told you, you shouldn't drink so fast, Kensaku-san.”

“Don't mind Sayaka-san. Here, you should slow down.” Jakurai simply tuts at the bluenette, taking his drink and replacing it with a cool glass of water.

Staring down at the cup, Kensaku pouts childishly, earning a giggle from Sayaka. Looking to her, Kensaku feels bad for becoming a mess so soon. It was hard to hold back, when he knew that his drunk self could effortlessly pull those beautiful sounds from her. Still, he would hate to ruin her day with his mistakes. Sheepishly, he mumbles out his apology. “I'm sorry, Sayaka…”

“It's fine, Kensaku-san! I'm happy that you're having fun. This means a lot to me that you both invited me out.” Sayaka beams at Kensaku, before looking up to chat with Jakurai.

As the two exchanged polite conversation about their children and their work, Kensaku rested his face against his forearm to silently admire the two. The way the bar lights shone perfectly on their hair, the twinkle in their eyes as they reminisced on their personal history. And god, how much he wanted to kiss them. If only they didn’t take his true feelings as a joke.

Of course Jakurai sees his antics as a joke. They've been friends for so long, that doctor has tolerated even worse jokes from Kensaku. Same would go for Sayaka. It should be no surprise that Kensaku’s accidental confession was easily taken as a joke. A chance for Kensaku to brush his mistake under the rug, to continue wallowing in his unrequited feelings. But… It hurt. Being dismissed like that. And his drunken brain wanted to stand up for himself despite the fact a good amount of time had passed since Kensaku's drunken admission.

It was Sayaka who noticed the researcher struggling to sit back up from his position leaned against the oak table. It was before she could ask if he was alright, that Kensaku immediately started grabbing at Jakurai's arm to pull the focus onto himself. Unlike the many other times the group has spent drinking, the typical gullible drunken smile Kensaku would sport was replaced with that of fierce determination.

“I'm being serious. I love you, Jakurai.”

Jakurai chuckles softly as he responds in kind, “As do I, Kensaku-san. I cherish our friend-”

Before he could utter that one dreaded word, Jakurai's words were halted when Kensaku suddenly lifted him by the lapel of his coat to his feet.

“Not like that!”

“Kensaku-san?” Sayaka titters nervously.

Jakurai could only look down at the drunken man, taken aback by the ambush. Unlike Sayaka, he was speechless, simply taking in the words that Kensaku can't help but slur.

“N-Not as friends… I don't want to be friends. I want…” If Kensaku's face wasn't flushed already, he would be smoldering red now as he pushed his deepest thoughts out his mind and through his mouth. “I want you Jakurai. I wanna be with you-!”

Suddenly all strength seems to slip from his leg and Kensaku stumbles forward into Jakurai. Thankfully the taller man is able to catch him, a slight pink shade beginning to bloom on his face. This was getting messy, and fast. If Kensaku wasn't going to sober up with some water, the air outside might do better the doctor concluded.

“Sayaka-san, I-”

“I-It's fine! Here, let me help pay for the drinks.” Sayaka tries to escape the situation, completely baffled by the drunken man's actions. However, before she or Jakurai can say anything, Kensaku suddenly grips Sayaka’s wrist and pulls her towards the men.

“You too. I love youuu…”

Now everyone seemed to be at a loss for words. Jakurai's grip slacks as Kensaku stumbles towards the brunette, curling his arms around her smaller frame in contentment. Softly in her ear, yet loud enough for Jakurai to hear, Kensaku groans. “Stay with me for a little, sweetheart… Jakurai can take care of us. Isn't that right~?”

That teasing reminder was enough for Jakurai to pull himself together and take advantage of the distraction, quickly paying their tab. Taking Kensaku back from Sayaka and having him lean his weight onto him, Kensaku mumbles those damned words again. The doctor was finally getting it. Kensaku wasn't joking. He 'loves' him. But what was that about Sayaka? 

Sayaka is apologizing profusely so Jakurai can lead the way out, all while Kensaku is shouting his confession out the bar with unabashed happiness. This was definitely not what was planned for tonight. The three are all red-faced, despite the fact only one of them was fully plastered from the booze.

Making their way to Kensaku’s car, the two help get Kensaku into the back of the vehicle. It took quite a bit of work, with Kensaku acting much more clingy than ever before with the two of them. Eventually, though, the drunken fool is fastened into the back of the van, and Jakurai and Sayaka are able to sit in the front.

The van washes over in silence. The little hiccups of Kensaku are the only sound that breaks the awkward atmosphere. Jakurai looks over at Sayaka, who is running her hands over her face to confirm the fact her face is heated. They both were blushing. Flustered even, by the drunken man.

It was Sayaka who broke the ice first, “Kensaku-san?”

“Mmm?”

“D-Did you… I mean, who are you confessing to?”

That seemed to bring pause to the man, who slumped against the window of the car. Taking a moment to sort through the jumble of thoughts in his brain, Kensaku finally settled on his answer with a lopsided smile. “Both~”

“You mean…” Jakurai whispers.

“I love you b-both, Sayaka and Jakurai!” He states seriously, between a hiccup. “I-I want to be with both of you. I c-can’t pick… I want to be selfish. I want both of youuu...”

Well that answered it. The two front passengers looked at each other's crimson faces, unsure of what to do or say.

Minutes went by before Jakurai wordlessly starts the car and began to drive. As time passed, the drunken mumblings from Kensaku started to fade, they were replaced by light snoring sounds. Sayaka looks back bashfully, watching the man sleep. How were they supposed to handle this situation? She had an inkling that he had felt something more for her, but for Jakurai as well? How peculiar that he was stuck with the dilemma of picking between the two of them… Could this be a resolution to her own romantic plight? But that would mean Jakurai would have to love both of them back equally.

Amid her contemplation, Sayaka's attention was brought to the slow halt of the car. Looking out the window, she noticed that Jakurai had gone to her home to drop her off before Kensaku.

Unbuckling her seatbelt, the brunette goes to open the door only to be greeted by the purple-haired man doing it for her as he politely escorts her. Out the car and down the walk to her house, Sayaka stops at her door and takes a deep breath.

“Look, Jakurai-san.” Sayaka begins, “If Kensaku-san doesn't remember anything, do you-”

“No.” Jakurai retorts back bluntly. “No, I… This isn’t something we can just ignore.”

“A-Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“But what if-”

“Would you be opposed to being in a relationship? The three of us, that is.”

For the umpteenth time, Sayaka was taken aback. Jakurai reciprocated both their feelings? Genuinely?

“Y-You?”

“I was originally interested in you, Sayaka. For years, I held romantic feelings for you. But recently I began to feel for Kensaku in the same way… To think he was facing the same problem,” Jakurai almost sighs in relief, chuckling to himself in disbelief. “...It eases me to know that it was mutual between us.”

It takes a moment before Sayaka can find it in herself to speak and stop gaping. “Jakurai, I…”

“Sayaka.” Jakurai stops her, clutching her hands as he gazes down at her amber eyes with his own icy blue hues. “I want you to save your response for tomorrow. I'd like for us to sort this issue properly. The three of us together.”

She frowns, but nods in understanding. It's best to tackle their relationship with a clear mind. Both Kensaku and Sayaka had alcohol in their system, unprepared to make such a huge decision. That said, she gives a disappointed smile to Jakurai as she speaks. “Then keep him safe, Jakurai.”

“I promise.”

With that, Jakurai departs from the Miyuki residence leaving Sayaka to stand idly in her doorway. It took quite a bit of harsh whispering from Lola to finally drag her into the house. Despite the model’s hushed prying for juicy details from the night, for once Sayaka was too caught up in her thoughts to properly answer any of her questions. After all, she just might be able to earn the love she craved from the two men she had been pining for.

Official? Yeah, I guess. Hope this works out and now they can immediately get married lmao

@saitama-division

[sapphireshorelines]

The Story of Pupu (1998), dir. Kensaku Watanabe

[arakawa-division]

Alexis's Thoughts on Toyama Division

Asato Rikiya

"Though I've never worked on a farm myself, I understand the value of what Asato-kun does. His role as a farmer is crucial, not just for the sustenance it provides but for the cultural and artistic significance of his produce. Farming is a demanding profession, one that requires resilience, patience, and a deep connection to nature. It's clear that Asato-kun isn't just growing crops; he’s cultivating life, nurturing the earth to yield its fruits. His work with watermelons, especially, shows a level of creativity and mastery that I can't help but respect."

Yano Ietsuna

"Yano-kun's reputation precedes him, especially when it comes to his glass art. I've heard from Diệu that his uncle's shop is a treasure trove of exquisite pieces. It's the kind of place I'd like to visit to find something special for my family back home. Unique, handcrafted items always carry more meaning, and I believe Yano-kun's creations would make for memorable gifts."

"On a personal note, I understand that Yano-kun has what some might call a 'glass heart.' While some may view his emotional sensitivity as a weakness, I see it as a sign of his authenticity. In my line of work, where facades are common, it's refreshing to encounter someone genuine. His emotional nature doesn’t diminish my opinion of him; rather, it highlights his humanity. We all have our vulnerabilities, and it takes courage to show them."

Kensaku Morimoto

"Kensaku-san is someone I've come to know of through Ivelisse's visits to his pharmacy. While I haven't had the pleasure of speaking with him directly, his profession as a medical researcher is one I hold in high regard, not least because of my mother's background in nursing. Having watched her dedicate years to caring for others and now teaching medical students, I've developed a deep appreciation for those in the medical field. Kensaku-san's work, particularly his focus on botanical research and traditional medicine, is a testament to the importance of blending historical knowledge with modern science, a balance my mother often emphasizes in her teachings."

ECO BooN

"ECO BooN is an intriguing team. Their individual strengths complement each other, creating a synergy that’s rare and captivating. I believe their uniqueness is not just a novelty; it’s their strength. It gives them an edge in the Division Rap Battle, allowing them to stand out and connect with the audience on multiple levels. I have a feeling that their journey in the Division Rap Battle will be one to watch closely. They have the potential to go far, not only because of their individual talents but because they represent something larger. A harmony of life, art, and healing that resonates deeply with people."

[bhrm555]

Fudo Myo-o, 13th century

[aichi-division]

Issey's thoughts on Toyama Division

Asato Rikiya

"I really like his hair. It looks very VERY COOL. He's a farmer? Aaaw, I should buy some of his produce, we definitely need a few things (well, especially Shouta, he has nowhere to drop dead). Will he sell tomatoes? I hear he's the leader of the team, it's an honor to meet him. His skills must be amazing in the competitions".

Yano Ietsuna

"HOLY FU- ITS HIM!!! I remember buying a sculpture from him a few years ago. It was a heron. It was amazing to meet him in person to buy his art in the studio. I never imagined I would meet him again but at the competition. It is an honor to be able to share this experience with a great artist like him."

Kensaku Morimoto

"Oh, a doctor. Hmm... My family has several doctors. Most tend to be very strict and stingy in their attentions. They prioritize money… more than the lives of their patients. I dislike that. I hope Mr. Morimoto is not like that".

Toyama Division

"It is always an honor to meet new divisions. I think the Toyama division has great potential. I like their vibes and I'm very excited to share with them and to meet Yano again. I have high expectations!"

-@toyama-division

[fukuokanodivision]

Yuno’s Thoughts On Toyama Division

Asato Rikiya

“Toyama’s agricultural farmer, Rikiya he’s called. I’m not one to act obvious, Although I hear he’s quite the blank slate. Barely any personality I can sense currently from him… It isn’t all blurry, grey areas though. I can tell the bond between him and his teammates is strong, So he isn’t entirely to blame with having no personality here… I’ll see if I can search for more information, Maybe Rikiya is more than meets the eye somewhere around there…”

Yano Ietsuna

“Ietsuna, Rikiya’s best friend? How nice~…He’s a glass artist? Hmm, That is new in my books of occupation…Ietsuna seems like a nice person out there, Being the supposed ‘comical’ guy out of Eco BOON and all, I imagine. Hm, Maybe I’ll drop into Toyama one of these days…Who knows, Maybe I can meet Ietsuna in person someday? I think I have some advice I can lend to him while I’m there. Well, If I end up getting there of course.”

Kensaku Morimoto

“Morimoto…Oh, The botanical researcher Mai-san was talking about? That’s definitely him. Come to think of it, Mai-san was right about his simialrlities with Jinguji-san… I don’t have much strong opinions on him, Just the usual ‘calm and collective’ personality, really…I guess it’s up to find some more information on him as well. Rikiya also has to be on the same page, Being teammates and all that jazz…”

Eco BOON

“Eco BOON, Now there’s an interesting name. Unlike the other divisions I’ve discussed, Eco BOON seems rather…Less threatening…? I won’t say that for sure, Maybe I’ve been wrong this whole time. Hear me out. With their supposed goal of ‘making things interesting’ and ‘growing through the cracks,’ They seem like one of OverDrives next targets…Of course, We need to finish MIHANASA first before any other divisions can be battled. Well, If OverDrive lasts that long.”

[thehat-taheht]

Boxers of Yesterday Today and Tomorrow

Storytelling in Sports

A normal person otherwise devoid of any specific purpose finds their raison dêtre in training for the martial arts.

This single sentence storyline is a fundamental story type in many Asian stories. You find it in Chinese Shaolin Temple epics, Japanese and Chinese rival school epics, Thai action films, Spanish and French sword-fighting fictions, and even American dramas and comedies. Rocky is the most notable example of an American version of this story type. In every example, the storytelling rarely focuses on the action and instead puts the onus on the relationships the character has with the world.

The most notable Japanese examples are Samurai films and combat/sports manga. In most of these examples the protagonist is relatively normal, allowing the audience to relate to them. Then the narrative introduces a reason for the character to evolve during exposition. The main character then is introduced to a mentor, not unlike Joseph Cambell’s example path of the Hero’s Journey. In sports narratives this mentor is usually in the form of a coach or trainer and they are uplifted from normal person to a superior athlete.

In sports manga and other sports fiction, the answer to all problems is always the same: Training.

Discipline provides confidence and training provides strength. Both of these are held together with ‘guts’ or determination. The athletic hero is confronted with stronger and stronger opponents and continues to train until he can defeat them. This type of ‘superiority through training and determination’ is a cornerstone of most Japanese stories. Many deal with an argument between skill and talent as well. In most cases learned skill defeats natural-born talent after enough training has occurred.

The lessons taught in these stories are almost always the same:

Nothing good is achieved without effort

Trust your friends and family

Strength is the product of discipline

Determination will give you victory

In this essay I will be focusing on three Boxing stories from Japanese culture. We will explore their meanings and narratives, the lessons taught, and the importance of their stories on culture.

Joe Learns to Box: Yesterday’s Tomorrow

Pugilism has a long history of nobility and violence. Boxing is enjoyed the world over as the world’s most basic of martial arts. Everyone can do it, but few can master it. Despite the sport’s organization being mostly from a European base, the United States has become the de facto home of the sport. It spread across the world and entered Japan in 1854 and became popular despite Japan’s dominance in the martial arts world.

Post World War II anti-American sentiment led to a lull in the sport, but boxing matches continued. As Japanese classical art like Emakimono evolved into Manga, artists struggled for meaning in a post nuclear world. One particular author found this meaning in the story of a prize fighter from the slums of Tokyo. Asao Takamori under the pen name Ikki Kajiwara teamed up with the artist Tetsuya Chiba to create their seminal work, Ashita no Joe. The story captured the spirit of Japanese determination and also their desperation in the face of their defeat of WW II and the subsequent reconstruction period. Joe’s redemption and anger belonged to the youth of the day and inspired other authors, artists, and aspiring boxers to try their best to grow and learn what it means to be strong.

Using this story as a lens to view other anime and manga you can see its influence everywhere you look, from popular to obscure. Notably Takamori’s story inspired a renaissance of boxing fandom in the late 1970’s. Despite there being several titles going to Featherweight and Welterweight champions in Japan during the time, boxing was relatively unpopular due to its association with the US. Ashita no Joe, or “Tomorrow’s Joe” captured a moment and helped to move its fans forwards toward a brighter tomorrow.

The titular character Joe Yabuki, is a tough-as-nails drifter that wanders into a shantytown and runs into an alcoholic boxing trainer, who sees a bright future hiding inside the brash youth and attempts to coax it out of him. Because of his terrible attitude and criminal behavior he is instead put in jail. Joe redeems himself (somewhat at least) and pushes himself to become a professional boxer. His story can be seen as a successful transition from an economic outcast into a functional member of society. In this case, society can be said to be the true villain of the story. Joe has either rejected society or society has rejected him, he has either turned to violence or been rejected due to his reliance on violence to solve his problems. Similar story origins can be found in gangster movies but also in stories like Rambo: Firstblood.

Classic and contemporary gangster films have characters that as children are shown a violent way of life, either by design or necessity. These children then grow into violent adults, full of anger and contempt for society and view the world as a thing to be possessed or conquered. Society ultimately rejects them for their violent and destructive natures. Stories like Rambo on the other hand, have a well liked child grow into a life of violence for a noble cause, but are ultimately unable to separate this violence from their personality. They eventually reject society as they cannot find a place and the violence in them serves no purpose.

Yabuki is a bit of a mystery as we have no context to put him in, but as with both other character types, his violence serves no purpose. He is defined by his violence and it colors all of his actions towards others. Joe is a fundamentally unlikable character, full of anger, bitterness, and child-like pettiness. His relationship with those that eventually come to care about him serves to instill societal norms in him in an attempt to turn him into a better person.

Instead of society itself, I propose that poverty is the real enemy of Joe and his friends. Every day is a struggle for all of them in San’ya. Economic disparity is on parade throughout the narrative, from the driftwood houses along the Namida Bashi (Bridge of Tears) to the sky scrapers and mansions of the mega-wealthy. Joe is carted around the world boxing in various countries, but he never really grows out of the slums in his mind. Joe is obviously a victim of his own stubbornness, but he was made that way because of lack of economic opportunity. This is one of the primary stumbling blocks on display in gangster stories, but instead of becoming an enforcer and earning a living in the underworld, Joe becomes a homeless wanderer, evoking the Japanese concept of a Ronin. A skilled fighter, disgraced and masterless but clinging on to his own moral code as he wanders from town to town.

While Joe is a product of his time, his story is no less poignant for modern audiences. I enjoy Ashita no Joe for a variety of reasons, but one of the best is its lack of focus on form. Chiba’s art is almost romantic with emphasis on Joe’s inability to care about the world, and Takamori’s rambling narrative is like a daydream at times with no obvious focus or form. If I had to compare it to music, Joe’s story is like a free form jazz with some repeating phrases and a theme, but mostly feels disorganized and yet is familiar. Joe has emblazoned himself into the minds and hearts of Japanese artists and athletes for decades and will continue to guide hearts, minds, and fists for decades to come.

Ippo Steps into the Ring: Yesterday’s Today

In sharp contrast to the unlikable character study of Joe Yabuki, we now come to possibly the most likable character in all of Japanese sports manga. Makunouchi Ippo, the titular character of Hajime no Ippo, has a boundless optimism that is almost never extinguished and his ability to win through sheer will power is incredibly inspirational. When I meet people that do not watch any anime or read manga and they ask me what to start with, Ippo’s story is always close to the top of the list. Of the three stories explored in this work, Ippo is my favorite. I have watched Ippo's road to fight against Date Eji more times that I can remember.

As with Joe, Ippo is a product of his environment and time. He is an example of modern boxing theory and technique tempered with lessons from the past. The origins of boxing are represented by the retired boxers in the narrative and the techniques of famous modern era boxers are on display in this love letter to obscure boxing styles. Ippo is the son of a fishing boat captain whose good naturedness causes him to forgo friendships and childhood distractions to help his mother operate the fishing boat business that supports them after his father's death. He is bullied and taunted until a chance encounter with a professional boxer saves him from a group of wannabe hoodlums underneath a bridge. Ippo awakens to find himself in the world of boxing and puts all of his considerable determination into making himself a professional licensed boxer. He manages this and continues to help his mother without complaining or losing his intoxicating optimism.

Makunouchi is meant to be a representation of the perfect son in Japanese culture. He is mannered, self-effacing, and always does the right thing. Conceptually, Ippo is almost as far as possible from Joe as a character. The world that Ippo exists in is also just as opposed to Joe’s world. While economics do factor into the narrative a bit, it is not a focus of the story. In this world the common everyday experience of Japan’s average citizen is on display. The manga is in full swing with shonen style comedy and slice of life stories, Ippo’s life is beset with heartache, rivals, highschool life, and bad dating advice.

The thing that really sets Ippo apart is the illustration of effort and power in the art of the near constant boxing and sparring matches. Although the art is a bit dated, it still communicates emotion and drama in a way that no other sports show has ever done in my opinion. Some of the later fights continue to give me chills and despite knowing the outcome of every fight, I still find myself cheering on Ippo. The color palette for everyday life is somewhat subdued but still contains a range of colors, but the fights are incredibly bright with flashes and huge blast lines. Usually this style of art would be a turn off for me in other mediums, but somehow Hajime no Ippo gets away with it.

If Joe’s story is Jazz, then Ippo is a Rock Ballad. Guitars scream at times, but other times the story is whimsical or romantic. George Morikawa’s skillful blend of emotions bring you through a chord progression of inspiring notes building to larger than life crescendos, that crash down upon you in a hail of pummeling fists, and knock you out with the power solos that are the crowd pumping championship matches. The drama conveyed in Takamura’s face while he attempts to control himself from opening a refrigerator while dieting to make weight, and the joyful head nod that Ippo gives when he defeats the first villain of the show are highlights that play on an loop in my mind drenched in squealing guitar riffs and the roar of the crowd.

One of the craziest things about watching the show for me is the effect it has on my exercise habits. If I ever want to get motivated to work out, I put on the first season of Ippo. Just as Ashita no Joe’s world is meant to capture the desperation of the downtrodden and the realism of his world, Hajime no Ippo seems to look at the world through Ippo’s guileless naivete. Ippo’s world is both very realistic and simultaneously extremely exaggerated. This offputting juxtaposition is difficult to navigate at times when you are wondering what is real and what is imagination.

Junkyard Dog Bites Mankind: Today’s Tomorrow

When writing about the future one of the things you have to ask yourself is ‘what will X be like in the future?’ Yō Moriyama, Katsuhiko Manabe, and Kensaku Kojima asked themselves, what would boxing be like in the future? How would people fight in the age of machines and artificial intelligence? Gearless Joe is the answer, or rather the inverse of the answer as he is essentially an anti-hero forgoing the future methods of robotic-assisted carnage, for old fashioned human-powered beatdowns.

If Hajime no Ippo is Classic Rock and Ashita no Joe is Jazz, then Megalobox is Industrial HipHop. It is hard, but rhythmic, artistic and catchy. By far the most polished of the 3 examples, it is an extremely fun watch and is effectively a stylized re-telling of Ashita no Joe. The nameless protagonist chooses the moniker ‘Joe’ meaning a man with no real name, but also an obligatory hat-tip to the source material that inspired them. Originally self-named ‘Junk Dog’ is employed to fight in fixed matches in the underworld that our original Joe eschewed. He feels trapped by his life and while attempting to force change, ends up essentially trapping himself even worse. Through a twist of fate, he is forced into the world of professional legitimate boxing in which if he loses he will die. In this brutal and vicious dog-eat-dog world, Gearless Joe shines as a likable anti-hero.

Unlike Ashita no Joe, society is not the big bad guy. There are of course real bad guys in Megalobox in the form of gangsters and fixers and hustlers, but the true villain in the story is greed. The story paints a nasty picture of corruption in the slums and then opens up the world into the bright lights of the legitimate world. With every turn you see another sign of economic elitism, not the least of which is Joe’s lack of personal identity. He is a non-person in the society and cannot even be allowed into the city, there is of course a blackmarket answer for everything and Gearless is allowed to come into the futuristic world of the Megalonia tournament and fight for his life.

His trainer sets up their gym under a bridge bearing more than a passing likeness to the same Bridge of Tears from Ashita no Joe. His team and Gearless Joe are the only desperate ones in the narrative, so unlike the feeling of inclusivity that Yabuki’s gang felt, Gearless Joe feels isolated.

An Abridged Story of A Bridge: Tears to Cheers to Fears

Dieting and sweat, training and bruises, bright lights and cheering crowds. There are a lot of things that the stories share due to the sheer concept of boxing, but one thing that stands out the most to me about the similarities is the geography. Ashita no Joe and Hajime no Ippo canonically occur in Tokyo whereas Megalobox occurs in the fictional ‘Administrative Zone’, but a common point with all stories is their reliance on a single feature of the landscape, a bridge. The bridge in Ashita no Joe is a famous one called Namida Bashi or the Bridge of Tears. It got this name due to the requirement that future prisoners of Kozukahara penitentiary would have to say their goodbyes to their loved ones on that bridge as you had to cross the Omoigawa river to get to the prison. The river was moved and the bridge doesn’t exist anymore, but in its time it was a symbol of loss and heartache and of loss of agency. It was no small symbolism for Joe’s trainer Danpei to open his ramshackle gym under the bridge. Joe’s relatively brief stint in prison and their constant struggle for survival, coupled with Joe’s incessant need to cause trouble always lead to loss, heartache, and usually a loss of agency. Many of Ashita no Joe’s most important moments occur in and around the bridge, borrowing context from the bridge’s reputation. Each of these events is usually a precursor to a major event in the context of Joe Yabuki.

Even though the bridge is now gone, the area around the bridge’s location is close to the Tiato and Arakawa districts that have several rivers that run through them with modern bridges that look remarkably like the one that serves as a setting for many of the critical plot turns in Hajime no Ippo. We see the entire storyline of Ippo’s relationship with Umezawa (Ippo’s school bully that is turned into his greatest fan) unfold under and around the bridge. Ippo manages to catch the 10 leaves that teach him how to jab next to the bridge, and several key conversations and character introductions are in and around the canal next to the bridge. I don’t feel that this use of the canal next to this particular bridge is random and suspect that if it isn’t just an icon from the author’s youth, it is an homage to Ashita no Joe’s use of the Bridge of Tears.

Ippo’s story doesn’t revolve around the same themes, so the bridge being similar but different is important in my mind. Being under the bridge, where Joe and Danpei were, is when Ippo is at his weakest and most vulnerable. The wise tree nearby becomes his first teacher and Ippo learns that he can grow stronger through dedication and training. This causes the bridge to become a symbol for growth and hope for a better tomorrow for Ippo. Even Umezawa crosses the bridge on his way to become a better person. Like Ippo is the inverse of Joe, the bridge in Hajime no Ippo is the inverse of the Namida Bashi. Everytime a character crosses the bridge they are stronger than they were before.

Megalobox as a revamp of Ashita no Joe also has a bridge, and of course they have their ‘gym’ underneath it. The symbolism in Megalobox is missing however and the bridge takes on a different meaning. Joe Yabuki and his trainer Danpei are poor in a community of poor people and they have a community to help them make their gym a home. Gearless Joe and Gansaku Nanbu have no such community to help them and must toil essentially on their own. The bridge and the river are essentially signs of the reality of illegal squatting, evidence that they do not belong in the world they find themselves in. As Gearless Joe and Nanbu rock the boat in entirely different ways than Joe Yabuki, death at the hands of the corruption of the city is their motivating factor instead of prison and poverty. The bridge over their heads instead becomes a symbol of cover, of hiding in plain sight. Not unlike the nameless boxer’s decision to choose the anonymous name of ‘Joe’.

To my reckoning there are a lot of examples of symbolism in all three stories, but none are shared so visibly and with as great an impact as the bridges over the heads of heroes while they train and live life outside the ring. Plans are formed, strategies devised, and history is made under these bridges, while clueless people stroll above them not knowing what extreme determination and strength of will lies beneath.

[roppongi-division]

Kai's Thoughts on Toyama Division

Asato Rikiya

"Sorry, but you'll have to ask my wife about this young man. I've only met him once, and that's cause my wife introduced me to him and his family. The only thing I know about him is that his family owns a huge farm in Toyama that grows a lot of produce. That's partly why I know him cause Mireya buys all of our family's produce directly from him, or rather, his grandmother. He seems rather... aloof, or rather he doesn't show much expression on his face. He stated he tries not to show much expression cause people always say he looks scary when he does."

"...We kinda have that in common, to be honest. People say I always look unapproachable cause of the scowl on my face, but I'm not trying to be. That's just my normal facial expression. I've tried to get better at controlling it, though..."

Yano Ietsuna

"I know this young man the most out of the team, mainly cause he saved me from pissing Mireya off. ...I guess I should expound on that. Basically, it was our 8th year wedding anniversary, and I promised I'd have a gift ready for her on that day. But... I got so caught up in a new song I was trying to create and perfect that I lost track of the time. The days just flew by without me realizing it. So before I knew it, I only had two days left to find her the perfect gift. I asked around and people recommended a glass shop called, "Glassara Glass Studio" in Toyama run by a man and his nephew. I was skeptical, but I went anyway."

"Surprisingly enough, Yano did a real good job on the figurine I asked him to make. Admittedly, I didn't give him clear instructions, but he did good for making it under a time limit. Mireya absolutely loved it. I paid him and told him if he was ever in Roppongi to come to Gypsy's Palace, where I'd get him access to the VIP room. I haven't seen him yet, but I'll be on the lookout when he does. He deserves it for everything he's done."

Kensaku Morimoto

"...You all remember what I told you about my 'lack of humor' when I spoke about Sasara, right? Well, it pertains to all forms of humor, including puns. I met this guy while I was in Toyama that one time visiting with Asato and his grandmother. I stopped by the local pharmacy just to get something to drink. The weather in Toyama is too humid and mild for my tastes. Anyway, this guy was working the register and... I don't know what it was about me, maybe the expression on my face or something, but he just started telling me jokes left and right as he was ringing me up."

"I didn't know what to say, so I just thanked him for the drink, paid and left. I haven't seen him since. Later, I found out from Zakari that he's friends with Jakurai, which is a shock. I didn't think Jakurai was the kind of guy who liked jokes, or associated himself with people who tell them. The more you know, I guess."

ECO BooN

"Toyama is a place in Japan known for its agriculture. So, I suppose having a farmer, a glassmaker, and a guy who deals in pharmaceutical research makes a bit of sense. I don't know how they'd sound 'music-wise', but... I have to admit, I'm kind of looking forward to what they sound like. It could give me some ideas."

[nug-chuohku]

I saw someone do this with hypmic characters and I needed to do it with my OCs to make :.|:;

[obihiro-division]

Jack’s Thoughts on Toyama Division

Asato Rikiya

“Rikiya, Rikiya, Rikiya… Right, his father was the late Akihito Rikiya. Fortunate for Asato, he is not a subject of concern for… Anyone, I imagine. Just a simple farmer, working hard to supply the public with delicious fruits and vegetables. It’s a humble life with no connections to anything bigger than he could ever imagine.”

Yano Ietsuna

“Mr. Ietsuna is terribly unprofessional for someone who seems to have his hands into something beyond the artist’s world. And surprisingly, it isn’t anything illegal like most in his field tend to get involved in. In fact, you could argue he is protected by the law, not wanted. Whether he is indebted or just lucky, it's not something anyone really knows. All that can be said is that he is awfully close with a cast of interesting characters, including Ramuda Amemura.”

Kensaku Morimoto

“The doctor appears to be safe and sound I see. As expected, he has no memory of the events and that makes both our lives much easier. I regularly hear chatter on how his participation in the D.R.B. has been very helpful... The publicity he’s gotten from rapping on stage, hosting pageants, and joining in all the little events makes it easy to keep track of him. Once I have fulfilled my duty however, I hope that interest in him will dissipate. Counting on the fact he doesn’t remember that which he forgot. Otherwise, he may be in danger. Even worse, he may be a danger to others around him. We wouldn’t want it to get any messier…”

ECO BooN

“It’s a charming little group. If it weren’t for the fact we are battling as teams, they wouldn’t be an issue to defeat with how inexperienced they all are in combat. But as I understand, this is a battle of wit and word not… Hand to hand combat. And in a language I’m not fully comfortable with. I’ll count on Mr. Tetsumasu to teach us well. That way, we may be able to defeat teams such as ECO BooN… Which is a ridiculous name I might add.”

[nobbykun]

Artist - 森田健作 (Morita, Kensaku) Song - 友達よ泣くんじゃない (Tomodachi Yo Nakunjanai) [Eng. "Buddy, Don't Cry"] Release Date - January 1972

Listen 🎶

https://rumble.com/v5kk801-kensaku-morita-tomodachi-yo-nakunjanai.html

My blog: Showa Music Library https://nobbykun.tumblr.com/

[toyama-division]

Redraw of that manga cover! Only it's my old geezer Kensaku, and his dilemma on who to confess to... (Answer: Both. Make it a throuple.)

Sayaka Miyuki (brunette girl) belongs to @saitama-division. Jakurai Jinguji is King Records' but they should lose the rights to him on fumbling his assassin backstory.